Pike County parents on edge after threat made on social media

PIKE COUNTY, Ga. - Parents in Pike County were in a panic after the school system said a ninth grader threatened to shoot up his school on social media Tuesday night.

Officials said the threats were directed at the Pike County Ninth Grade Academy in Zebulon. In response, some parents decided to keep their kids out of school Wednesday.

School representatives said the threat was posted on Instagram late at night stating that the student was going to shoot up the school. The sheriff's office got involved. That child was not in school and parents were notified by the district around 9 a.m. Wednesday of the threat.

Here is what the Pike County Sheriff's Office released before 7 a.m.:

“The sheriff's office was made aware of a social media post made by a student last night that was of a threatening nature toward the school system. Investigators immediately identified and located the juvenile. The school system and sheriff's office have taken the necessary steps to appropriately deal with the juvenile. Due to the suspect being a juvenile and possible medical issues no further information can be given.

“The schools are safe at this time.”

Many parents learned about what happened after dropping their kids off Wednesday morning. Some parents said they kept their kids out of school and many even picked their kids up during the day. Mostly because they didn't know if this 9th grader was behind bars. Neither the sheriff's office or the board of education will comment if this child is in custody.

Ryan Edge, the Chairman of the Pike County Board of Education, has two children at these schools. He said it's his priority to make sure these students are safe on school property.

Edge said the appropriate discipline will be taken by the sheriff's office and the school district.